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Maryland homeowner was left stunned when he discovered a family of four had been squatting in his home, just 24 hours before finalizing the sale. Mike Haskell had spent tens of thousands renovating his four-bedroom house in Windsor Mill, but it wasn't until his buyer alerted him to the squatters that he learned of their presence.

    The family, who claimed they found the property through a social media post offering a one-time fee of $11,500 to move in, had been living on the property for at least a week. They changed the locks and removed the sale sign from the front yard, leading Haskell to call the police. However, no official charges were made, and the squatters were not removed.

    The family eventually confessed to occupying the property without permission and interfering with an active sale. They handed over the keys to Haskell after he persuaded them to leave for $4,600. The incident highlights the difficulties in removing squatters once they have gained access to a home.

    Experts advise that regular monitoring of unoccupied properties is key to preventing squatting. Real estate professional Bruce Ailion recommends investing in high-grade locks and security systems as soon as a property is listed for sale or lease. In Australia, homeowners should issue a formal notice of trespass upon discovering squatters and seek legal advice if they refuse to leave.

    Haskell's experience serves as a warning to homeowners to take precautions against squatting. He was able to resolve the situation amicably, but others may not be so fortunate. The incident also raises questions about the ease with which people can find and occupy vacant properties through social media advertisements.